Researchers Discover a New Deep-Sea Fish Species 5 August 2015

Researchers discover a new deep-sea fish species 5 August 2015

before - the life at these depths is really amazing."

Their findings have been published by The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in Copeia, an international journal that publishes original research on fishes, amphibians and reptiles. You can find the full report online here.

This new fish, which was found between 1,000-1,500 meters depth, is a new species of Ceratioid anglerfish (Genus Lasiognathus Regan [Lophiiformes: Oneirodidae]). The three females specimens found ranged in size from 30-95 mm in length. Looking at a photo of the fish, one quickly understands how anglerfishes get their common name. The new anglerfish -- Lasiognathus regan. Credit: Theodore Pietsch, Ph.D.University of Washington At the ocean depths this fish lives in, there is no sunlight. The only light is that from creatures that produce bioluminescence, which means they generate their own light source. Also, at these They are some of the most interesting and unique depths, the pressure is immense - over one ton creatures in the oceans - deep-sea life. Most (2,200 pounds) per square inch. And the fight for people can identify a shark or sea turtle or whale, food is never-ending. That's why these fish have but many are shocked to see what a lanternfish or developed their unique way of attracting prey - from oarfish looks like. Deep-sea creatures can be down- the appendage at the top of their head, which right scary looking. resembles a fishing pole of sorts. And, like its human counterparts, this fish dangles the Adding to the list of deep-sea creatures, a Nova appendage until an unsuspecting fish swims up Southeastern University's (NSU) Halmos College thinking they found a meal, only to quickly learn of Natural Sciences and Oceanography researcher that they are, in fact, a meal themselves. recently found a never-before seen species from the deep waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. "Finding this new species reinforces the notion that Tracey Sutton, Ph.D., is one of NSU's experts on our inventory of life in the vast ocean interior is far deep-sea life and he teamed up with Theodore from complete," said Dr. Sutton. "Every research Pietsch, Ph.D. from the University of Washington trip is an adventure and another opportunity to to formally describe this new species of anglerfish. learn about our planet and the varied creatures who call it home." "As a researcher, the one thing I know is that there's so much more we can learn about our Dr. Sutton studies the ecology of marine systems, oceans," Dr. Sutton said. "Every time we go out on particularly those of the open ocean. As part of a deep-sea research excursion there's a good those efforts, Dr. Sutton is leading a team of chance we'll see something we've never seen scientists and researchers studying the effects of oil

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spills on deep-sea marine life. That project recently received a boost, thanks to a recent financial award from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI.) NSU was awarded $8.5 million and is one of 12 organizations selected to receive part of $140 million for continued research in the area of oil spills and how we respond to them.

Along with his work at NSU, Dr. Sutton is also a steering committee member of the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, a co-Principal Investigator in the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, an Expert Panelist in the United Nations First Ocean Assessment, an Affiliate Scientist of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and Adjunct Faculty of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association. Sutton is interested in the connections of a variety of trophic levels from the near surface to great depths, with emphasis on the fauna and ecology of the deep-pelagic zone (200 m to 5,000 m). He combines observational, organismal and theoretical approaches to help understand Earth's largest, but least known ecosystems.

As for this new anglerfish, the three female specimens are considered "type specimens" (i.e. they define the species,) and as such, Dr. Sutton said that they will reside in the Ichthyology Collection at the University of Washington, which is home to the world's largest deep-sea anglerfish collection.

Provided by Nova Southeastern University APA citation: Researchers discover a new deep-sea fish species (2015, August 5) retrieved 30 September 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2015-08-deep-sea-fish-species.html

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